Tales of the Suburbs: first Welston then the World

As a boy growing up in the Black Country—drained grey by Mrs Thatcher's steely policies—Jamie dreams of escape to a magical metropolis where he can rub shoulders with the mythical creatures who inhabit the pages of his Smash Hits. Though his hometown is not without characters and Jamie's life not without dramas—courtesy of a cast of West Midlands divas led by his mother, Gloria. Her one-liners are as colourful as the mohair cardies she carries off with the panache of a television landlady.

We follow Jamie through secondary school, teenage troubles and away to art school; there he experiences the flush of first love with Billy, and the rush of the big city. But what then? Will he return to the safety of Welston, or risk everything on a new life in London?

These flamboyantly funny stories of self-discovery, set against the shifting social scenery of the 80s and 90s, are for everybody who's ever decided to be the person they are meant to be.

'These 'suburbs' are also universal: this open-heartened, delightful journey of self-discovery is known to, and should be relished by, all of us.' ANNETTE BADLAND

'This is an authentic, poignant account of working-class life and manners and, ultimately, the overriding love the author feels for those who shaped his childhood. I didn't want it to end.' ANN MITCHELL

'Rich, layered, filigree characters unveil a compelling portrait of queerness in working class England, a narrative both familiar and sacred. Reading this book was like coming home. Beautiful.' JOELLE TAYLOR

'Justin David writes with enviable poise and economy. This is first class writing, conveying with calm authenticity what it means to be at the centre of the puzzle of our own lives.' RÓNÁN HESSION

'Justin David's Tales of the Suburbs reveals a true writer's gift for comic and poignant storytelling, in which pithy dialogue and sharp characterisation make for compelling reading.' PATRICIA ROUTLEDGE

'A well-observed, charming account of small-town, working-class life and the move to the big, bad, brilliant city. This should strike a chord not just with gay readers but with anyone who's lived, loved and fought to become the person they're meant to be.' MATT CAIN

'The writing is glorious. Young queer people will see themselves in these relatable stories, and queer elders, reflecting upon their own lives, will find healing in these pages.' AMY ZING, co-founder of SINK THE PINK

'Justin David's tale of working-class gay life is a bitter-sweet, beautiful thing. The audience at Polari loved it—as well they should.' PAUL BURSTON, Polari Literary Salon